When your commercial property tax bill arrives, you might moan and groan about how it has risen. Yet if you are like most people, you probably just pay it.
Have you ever stopped to think that maybe you shouldn’t?
While you cannot just refuse to pay, you can file an appeal if you feel the new bill is unfair. Running a business is not easy at the best of times, and the last few years have brought particular difficulties. So it is crucial to understand that sometimes those who assess how to tax a property get it wrong and that you have the right to question them.
How do I appeal?
The first step is to get help to understand if your bill really is unfair or if there are valid reasons for rises that you are unaware of. Maybe everyone’s bills have risen significantly because the local government is seeking to levy more taxes.
If your increase seems out of proportion to other commercial properties in your area, get an independent appraisal of your property value.
An appraisal is particularly important if you live far away and may not realize developments that have affected your property’s value. For example, zoning restriction changes have made it more attractive to businesses willing to pay a lot. Or a new development is set to raise the value of the whole area.
If the appraisal suggests that your property was incorrectly valued, you need to present your argument to the local tax court. This can take a long time as it is, so it is essential not to delay it further by making mistakes in your appeal application. Getting legal help to investigate your situation and create a compelling argument will increase your chances of success.